Celebrate Mom the Montana Way: Flowers, Farms, Art and Unique Local Finds

This weekend is Mother’s Day, and our guess is, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a mother out there who wouldn’t love an experience with her family in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. Whether mom is an avid outdoorswoman, enjoys a relaxing spa day, or is an ever-curious history buff, we’ve got ideas.

A Relaxing Getaway

If you’re looking to go big, recently renovated Rock Creek Resort in Red Lodge includes creekside saunas, spacious rooms and a Mother’s Day brunch at the Wild Rose. Sage Lodge in Paradise Valley is hosting a brunch buffet, along with a jewelry pop-up, a flower bar and a frost your own cupcake bar. Their spa is delightful, and just down the road, Yellowstone Hot Springs is great for a long soak.



Spring is the best time to see Natural Bridge Falls on the Boulder River. Follow it up with a stay at the Grand Hotel in Big Timber and enjoy their Prix Fixe menu, with your choice of beef tenderloin, shrimp pasta or almond-crusted halibut. If you’d prefer to enjoy a great meal without an overnight, Rockin’ TJ Ranch and Bohdi Farms in Bozeman both have delightful brunch buffets.

 

Wildlife Watching in Yellowstone

Speaking of mothers, May is prime for wildlife watching in Yellowstone — baby bison, elk and deer are born in the spring, bear cubs come out of hibernation, and wolf pups can sometimes be spotted. A wildlife watching tour is an excellent way to learn more about the park; Yellowstone Wonders and Yellowstone Safari Co. are both excellent choices.

An Outdoor Adventure

For the adventurous, whitewater rafting season kicks off this time of year, and as the runoff surges, so do the rapids! You can enjoy runs on either the Yellowstone or Gallatin Rivers with Montana Whitewahttps://montanawhitewater.com/ter. Or, for a more leisurely experience, Old Montana Boat Company in Livingston offers gentle scenic floats.

Hiking is a favorite pastime around here, and there are options for every ability. Ousel Falls in Big Sky is a gentle slope with a big payoff, or Woodbine Falls near Nye is great for those looking for a longer trek. You could also grab a picnic from Chalet Market in Belgrade or Primal in Four Corners and have lunch at one of our state parks.

U-Pick Flowers and Shopping

Amaltheia Dairy has fields of U-pick flowers, along with a plant sale and a farmers market each Saturday in May. You can find similar agritourism opportunities at Abundant Montana. Or peruse one of our historic downtowns for art galleries, boutiques and jewelers. Montana is a draw for all types of creatives, and you’re sure to find something unique.

Exploring History Museums

We hold a lot of history in these parts, and most towns have a local museum (or sometimes three) to preserve and showcase the early days in Montana. (The dinosaur fossil collection at Museum of the Rockies is awe-inspiring, and the American Computer and Robotics Museum offers a robust history of technology; both are located in Bozeman.)

However you decide to honor mom, we hope the day is filled with joy.